Now that an incoming rookie has come out as gay, Kraft has reiterated — and elaborated on — his position.

“We’re about winning,” Kraft said, via the Boston Herald. “And anyone who can come in here and help us win, I personally don’t care what their ethnic background is, their racial background, the gender preference. If they can help us win, and they’re about team first, then I’m happy to have him here.”

Kraft, who said he previously has talked to coach Bill Belichick about adding an openly gay player, also thinks that being with the Patriots would help Sam.

“If a player were gay and came into this locker room, it would be the most supportive system,” Kraft said. “He’d gain strength by being in here. And it wouldn’t be divisive and he’d make friends for life and they could help him win. . . .

“I really believe that. And it was interesting to me that this young man announced to his teammates that he was gay before the season started. And they had a 12-2 record, they were in the SEC championship game, like us being in the AFC championship game, and they lost to Auburn and beat Oklahoma State in the Cotton Bowl.

“And he was co-defensive player of the year in the SEC. And that was after full disclosure. And that makes me happy. . . . I think it’s good for America.”

NFL teams ultimately are looking for what’s good for them. The Patriots want to win, and they know how to absorb potential distractions without distractions occurring. From drafting Ryan Mallett (a much-scrutinized rookie three years ago) to adding Tim Tebow (whose presence wasn’t a major issue last offseason) to dealing with the aftermath of the Aaron Hernandez arrest, the Patriots know how to navigate waters that would capsize other NFL organizations.

We know Belichick is the grand master of double speak, and that not even Tim Tebow, was allowed to upset the Patriot’s applecart. Plus, its the AFC, where the living is easy. So yes Mr. Kraft, I do believe that you make some valid points.

I’m sure any of the 32 organizations would be supportive of him, but which of them will want to deal with the overbearing scrutiny and presence of the media, who will no doubt swarm to cover this? I think that’s a big part of why no teams want any part of Jason Collins in the NBA. It was similar to Tebow: good guy, some level of talent, but way too much media baggage

I believe that,cheating scandals aside they do have the best team administration in football, I could only hope my phins could be half as competent. I won’t hold my breath aqua orange & white flows through my veins go dolphins

As a fan of the game I know Kraft as an owner is a “player’s owner” and knows how to support his players. And as much as I hate him professionally I know Billy only cares about winning, not sexual orientation. If there’s an environment where this kid can flourish, it’s probably in NE. Best of luck!

And sadly, it’s more than evident that my own Dolphins are far from ready for accepting a gay man into our locker room. Hopefully we can grow the hell up in the next couple years.

Good for Kraft! No wonder why the Pats continue to win through injuries and distractions and, frankly, a roster that is not all that talented. I am, however, trying to figure out what “gender preference” means.

New England has the potential to be a great landing spot for Sam. Belichick is focused on football and the culture there keeps that top priority. As far as the organization goes, I believe the Kraft family would fully support him and help him navigate through the massive attention he would receive as a ground breaker.

I think the media will be more detrimental for him than the team. Imagine every press conference where they try to get every player to publicly support the guy and if you say no comment the PC Gestapo arrive in full force .

Why isnt it tampering??? Are you kidding me??? How about, for starters, he is entering the draft. In other words, regardless of what the Patriots say, he will play for whoever drafts him. This isnt a free agent who could be illegally swayed to “choose” the Patriots. He has no choice in the matter. The team that drafts him is the team he will play for. How do some of you people survive???

I have nothing against the Patriots, and nothing against Michael Sam, I just hate this attitude of bragging about how progressive and tolerant you can be. I was best man when my brother married his husband in New York last year, but I don’t make that part of my identity.

If you think that what Michael Sam did is extremely brave and praiseworthy, that’s great, I agree, but stop waving your opinion around like it makes you a better person than anybody who isn’t equally as vocal in their support of gay rights.

If we want to make things easier for gay athletes, maybe we should stop treating this issue like it’s the most important development of the millenium, and treat gay athletes the way they want to be treated: the same as everybody else.